EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TECHNOLOGY, TRANSFER AND INNOVATION (5 YR CONTRACT)

Mindworx Consulting and Academy; Sebokeng; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting and training firm in South Africa is seeking an Executive Director: Technology Transfer and Innovation to provide strategic leadership in innovation, commercialisation, and technology transfer. The ideal candidate should have a Master’s Degree and at least 8-10 years’ experience in the Higher Education sector, with a strong focus on building relationships and leading high-performance teams. This position is pivotal in driving the institution's goals related to innovation and commercialisation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in the Higher Education Sector.
• 5 years of which must have been at Senior Management in Technology, Transfer and Innovation.
• Excellent knowledge of intellectual property laws and licensing agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the TTI’s strategic plan.
• Drive innovation and create a culture that supports new ideas.
• Establish relationships with industry partners and academic institutions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team in technology transfer.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of technology transfer strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking/Problem solving

Interpersonal relationships

Building partnerships

People management

Resource management

Strategic leadership

Data-informed decision-making and judgement

Conceptual thinking

Impact and influence

Planning & organising

Attention to Detail

Results and Deadline Oriented

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent Teamwork

Education

Master’s Degree or NQF level 9 in Engineering Management / Technology Management / Business Administration / Digital Innovation

Job description

Our client is seeking a professional to lead in the role of Executive Director: Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI)

The potential incumbent will provide strategic leadership to institutions, promoting a culture of excellence in all activities and areas related to Innovation, Commercialisation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.

Research, Innovation, Commercialisation & Internationalisation in the strategic leadership and management of the institution, as well as in supervising administrative functions through line reports.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key performance areas include but not limited to:

• Strategic leadership: Lead the development and execution of the TTI’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with national and institutional priorities.
• Innovation Management: Drive innovation and create a culture that supports new ideas and solutions.
• Stakeholder Management and Liaison: Establish and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, investors, academic partners and internal departments to maximise technology impact.
• Resources & People Management: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team in technology transfer, licensing, and innovation.
• Budgeting, Management, and Resource Allocation: ensuring alignment with the institutional goals, efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Policy & Governance: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of technology transfer strategies and policies, adjusting as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

A Master’s Degree or NQF level 9 in Engineering Management / Technology Management /Business Administration / Digital Innovation or related fields.

Required Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in the Higher Education Sector, 5 years of which must have been at a Senior Management within the Technology, Transfer and Innovation or similar environment.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of intellectual property laws, licensing agreements, entrepreneurship and the commercialisation process.
• Demonstrated ability to network and work with a wide range of different constituencies internally and externally.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within technology transfer, commercialisation, or innovation management.

Added Advantage

• Knowledge of academic, research, and administrative processes, regulatory frameworks and challenges of universities in emerging markets.
• Excellent knowledge, understanding, and networking with fundraising, philanthropic foundations, corporate social investment, and the university environment.
• Experience in the higher education sector will be an added advantage.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Analytical thinking/Problem solving;
• Interpersonal relationships;
• Building partnerships;
• People management;
• Resource management;
• Strategic leadership;
• Data-informed decision-making and judgement;
• Conceptual thinking;
• Impact and influence;
• Planning & organising;
• Attention to Detail;
• Results and Deadline Oriented;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent Teamwork.